ABOUT 20 people from Derby are being sought to represent the city by travelling to Germany during a week of twinning celebrations.

The invitation comes just weeks after the envoy exchange programme in the 34-year-old twinning scheme looked set to be axed by Derby City Council.

Derby's envoy from Osnabruck, Laura Schulz, is looking for people to participate in the four-day trip to mark the German city's Mayweek Festival, between May 12 and 16.

Guests on the trip will taken to the city's attractions and sample local food and drink at Osnabruck's restaurants and breweries.

The city council had wanted to stop the tradition of exchanging envoys between the two cities in an effort to save £39,000.

But the rare exchange arrangement was saved after pressure on the authority forced it to revise its budget.

Miss Schulz, 23, who is the 30th envoy from Osnabruck to come to Derby, said the trip was more important now than ever to stress the need for twinning.

She said: "This year, there was the possibility of ending the scheme but it has brought such benefits to both cities.

"So many people who have been to Osnabruck through the scheme keep going back because they know it's their twin city and they've made friends.

"Mayweek is all about giving people the opportunity to meet new friends and see new cultures, so it should be a lot of fun."

Visitors to Osnabruck will travel by coach from Derby and will be welcomed by the city's mayor, Boris Pistorius.

The trip includes four nights at the Hotel Residenz, located around 15 minutes away from the town hall.

Guests will be given a guided tour of Osnabruck and taken on several day trips, including one to the Berentzen Hof with a guided tour through a Schnapps museum.

They will dine at the Alte Posthalterei restaurant in Derby Square, as well as visit the spa gardens in Bad Essen and the Varus museum in Kalkriese.

Miss Schulz said: "The Mayweek festival attracts about 650,000 people each year, so the city centre will be filled with food, beer and craft stalls.

"Live bands will also be performing on different stages throughout Osnabruck and it creates a really cheerful atmosphere.

"We're lucky we get to introduce people to our city and they get to enjoy it at one of the greatest times of the year."

The cost of the trip will not be more than £418 for a single room and £350 for a double, including all travel and entrance fees. A £50 deposit is needed in advance.

For details or to book, call Derby 255816 or e-mail laura.schulz@derby.gov.uk.